It's interesting to note that while the live export market seems to be waning, red meat export from Australia is skyrocketing.

Meat and Livestock Australia has reported that Australian exports to the Middle East in May are at record levels, 46 per cent more than this time last year (and five times more than they were a decade ago). Especially notable is the increased meat imported by Saudi Arabia despite their suspension of Australian live sheep imports.

Perhaps we dont have to send live animals to the Middle East after all?